Apparatus for arranging and fastening electrical units in particular in a switchgear cabinet, and a fitting system with such an apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an apparatus ( 10 ) for arranging and fastening electrical units ( 152, 154, 156 ) in particular in a switchgear cabinet ( 1 ), wherein the apparatus ( 10 ) has a mount element ( 14 ), on the fitting side of which it is possible for a module mount ( 150 ) with at least one electrical unit ( 152, 154, 156 ) arranged thereon to be arranged and fastened, characterized in that the mount element ( 14 ) has a groove ( 16 ), which extends in a longitudinal direction and is open towards the fitting side and in which the module mount ( 150 ) can be suspended in an optional position in the longitudinal direction of the groove ( 16 ), and in that the groove ( 16 ) is shaped in such a way that, owing to the force of the weight which acts on the suspended module mount ( 150 ), the module mount ( 150 ) is arranged on the mount element ( 14 ) and is secured against falling down from the mount element ( 14 ), and to a fitting system with such an apparatus ( 10 ).

The invention relates to an apparatus for arranging and fastening electrical units, in particular in a switchgear cabinet, and a fitting system with such an apparatus.

Electrical units for industrial control engineering are frequently located in switchgear cabinets or switchboxes, the units, for this purpose, being fixed on a mounting rail, for example a so-called top-hat rail or C-rail. EP 0902 513 A2 discloses a device for fastening and wiring a plurality of electrical units.

In some applications it is advantageous, instead of individual electrical units, to prefabricate complete function modules with generally several electrical units located on a module mount and to fasten these module mounts subsequently to a generic apparatus in the switchgear cabinet. EP 1 502 340 B1 discloses a fitting system in which in one wall of the switchgear cabinet at a given distance to one another there are holes into which the modules can be plugged. The position of the modules on the cabinet wall is permanently dictated by the position of the holes. The optionally large and also heavy modules must be plugged exactly into these holes.

DE 102 55 490 A1 shows a retaining device and a fitting system for devices in which the individual parts can be fastened with a simple tool. Here the devices are hooked into a retaining device and are fixed on the retaining device by means of fasteners.

DE 10 2005 053 549 A1 shows a system for holding cables in cable ducts, the cable ducts being positively connectable to cable duct holders and the cable duct holder being connectable to a mounting channel.

GB 2 263 933 A shows a clip of U-shaped spring steel which can be clipped into a ceiling structure or the line and can be fixed on a line guide.

EP 0 241 318 A2 shows a low voltage distributor system with an internal and an external conductor rail, and the electrical terminal adapter can be positioned at an optional position along the conductor rails and the conductor rails can make contact with the terminal adapter.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,654,255 B2 shows a fitting system for arrangement and fastening of data communications means, and the data communications means can be suspended in a groove formed by the fitting plate by means of a hanger formed by its housing.

The object of this invention is to make available an apparatus for arrangement and fastening of electrical units as well as the pertinent fitting system with such an apparatus, which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In one embodiment, the arrangement and fastening of module mounts on the apparatus is designed to be simplified and the freedom of choice in the arrangement of the module mounts on the apparatus will be greater.

The invention is achieved by the apparatus specified in claim 1 and by the fitting system specified in the subordinate claim. Special embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, the apparatus has a mount element which has a groove that extends in the longitudinal direction and which is open toward the fitting side. The module mount can be suspended in any position along the groove and can then be shifted into the desired position along the groove. In this way, fitting of the module mount is simplified. In particular, it is possible to first suspend the module mount in the groove at a position which is not the final position, for example, in a position which is especially easily accessible. In this position, wiring and/or operating tests can also be carried out. Several module mounts can be suspended first in this or in an adjacent groove in this way and can be wired to one another before the module mount or mounts are shifted along the groove into the final fitting position.

In cross section, the groove is shaped such that in the suspended state the module mount is held on the mount element simply due to the weight acting on it and is especially protected against falling off the mount element. The mount element can have a groove or also several grooves which run preferably parallel to one another. In one embodiment, the apparatus has several such mount elements which are preferably arranged parallel to one another. In one embodiment, the mount element is formed by a metal profile and the groove runs continuously over the entire length of the mount element.

Generic apparatus can generally have vertically running mounting rails in addition to the often horizontally running mount elements, the mount elements being fastened either directly or using mounting brackets on the mounting rail, for example. Generally, the mounting rails together with the mount elements form a fixed frame which can be fixed in the switchgear cabinet, for example, by the mounting rails being screwed to the switchgear cabinet.

In one embodiment, the groove is shaped such that the suspended module mount is exposed to a force acting in the direction to the mount element by the weight acting on it. For this purpose, the groove and/or the part of the module mount suspended in the groove can have a slanted surface which has an angle of less than 90° with the vertical. The module mount, when being suspended, is thereby moved into contact with the mount element by the acting weight. Moreover, it is necessary for dismounting to raise the module mount; this offers additional protection against unintentional dismounting.

In one embodiment, the cross section through the groove in a region, which is spaced apart from the fitting-side opening, has two legs which are spaced apart from one another. Depending on the arrangement of the mount element, while being suspended, the module mount is inserted into the first or the second leg of the groove. In this way, it is possible to use the same parts for the mount element for suspending the module mount on its upper end and on its lower end.

The module mount can be made plate-like and, for example, can be beveled on the end side on two opposite edges, in one embodiment the beveled sections being aligned parallel to one another. For suspension purposes, at least one beveled section of the module mount can be suspended in the groove of the pertinent mount element. Preferably, on the upper end of the module mount there is a first mount element and on the lower end of the module mount there is a second mount element. The module mount is suspended with its beveled section located on the upper end in the first leg of the groove of the first mount element and with its beveled section located on the lower end in the second leg of the groove of the second mount element. The shape of the groove and/or the shape of the beveled section of the module mount can be selected such that spring-elastic deformation, specifically of the beveled section of the module mount, arises by suspension, by means of which after suspension the module mount is pre-fixed in the groove.

In one embodiment, the two legs of the groove tend to move apart with increasing distance from the fitting-side opening. In one embodiment, the two legs enclose an angle between 45 and 75°, specifically between 55 and 65°, and preferably 60°.

In one embodiment, the cross section through the groove is symmetrical to an axis which runs in the center relative to the fitting-side opening. In one embodiment, the axis of symmetry runs at a right angle to an imaginary line which connects the two edges of the opening of the groove.

In one embodiment, the mount element toward the fitting side has openings for holding fasteners by means of which the suspended module mount can be fastened on the mount element. Fundamentally, it is possible to provide threaded holes or openings into which a screw can be screwed in a fixed grid dimension on the mount element. In one embodiment, the openings for holding the fasteners are formed by a groove which extends, in any case, over a certain length, preferably, over the entire length of the mount element. This has the advantage that the fasteners, specifically fastening screws, can be screwed into the groove almost anywhere and in this way the suspended module mount can be fastened at any position on the mount element. The groove can be especially easily produced when the mount element is designed as a profile.

In one embodiment, the groove on its side walls which run in a longitudinal extension is provided with channels whose extension and distance to one another can be matched to the fastener which is to be screwed in. This channeling of the groove reduces the force for screwing in the fasteners. The channeling can likewise be provided in the production of the mount element designed as a profile.

In one embodiment, the groove for suspending the module mount has a section for holding a slide nut which can be moved along the groove. With the slide nut, module mounts or other components which are not suspended in the groove can be fastened on the mount element.

In one embodiment, the mount element adjacent to the fitting-side opening of the groove for suspending the module mount has a contact surface for the module mount, in particular a planar contact surface. During fastening this automatically yields flat alignment of the module mount relative to the mount element.

In one embodiment, the mount element has a fastening rail for direct fastening of electrical units. The fastening rail is preferably formed in one piece by the mount element. The fastening rail can be, for example, a top-hat rail, such as a top-hat rail according to EN 50022. For example, electrical components in so-called terminal block housings can be easily clipped onto this fastening rail and can be fastened on the mount element.

In one embodiment, the mount element moreover preferably forms fixing means integrally for attaching a so-called wiring comb to the mount element. By means of the fitting comb electrical lines which are routed on the fitting side of the apparatus to the electrical units can be routed onto the back which is opposite the fitting side and on which the lines can be routed and thus the electrical units can be wired.

Other advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description in which several embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this connection, the features mentioned in the claims and in the specification are each essential for the invention individually for themselves or in any combination thereof

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a switchbox or the switchgear cabinet,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a mount element,

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the mount element of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 5 shows an enlargement of an extract of FIG. 4, and

FIG. 6 shows an enlargement of part of the beveled section of the module mount.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a switchbox or switchgear cabinet 1 as is conventionally used for fitting of electrical control means, for example, in industrial production engineering. In the switchgear cabinet 1 there is an apparatus 10 for arrangement and fastening of electrical units, in the illustrated embodiment the apparatus 10 having vertically running mounting rails 12 and horizontally running mount elements 14 connected to them. The mount elements 14 in the embodiment are formed by elongated fitting rails. These fitting rails are produced from a profile, for example an aluminum profile, and can be cut off from an endless profile at the length required at the time.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a mount element 14 and FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the mount element 14 of FIG. 2. In the longitudinal direction, there extends a groove 16 which is more or less “Y”-shaped in cross section and which is open toward the fitting side with its section which connects the two legs 18, 20. A beveled section 158 (FIG. 5) of a module mount 150 can be suspended in this groove 16, the beveled section 158 engaging one of the two legs 18, 20 formed by the groove 16. The two legs 18, 20 tend to spread apart from one another with increasing distance from the fitting-side opening 22 of the groove 16. The groove 16 is symmetrical to an axis 24 which runs in the center relative to the fitting-side opening 22. The two legs 18, 20 enclose an angle between 45 and 75°, specifically between 55 and 65°, and preferably about 60°.

Between the fitting-side opening 22 and the two legs 18, 20, the groove 16 has a section 26 for holding a slide nut into which a fastening screw can be screwed from the fitting-side opening 22. The depth of the groove 16 which is to be measured between the fitting-side opening 22 and the blind hole-like end of the legs 18, 20 is at least 50% of the thickness of the mount element 14, preferably at least 80%.

On or near the longitudinal edge which is away from the groove 16, the mount element 14 forms a strip-like section 28 in which in the longitudinal direction there are in succession and preferably equally spaced openings, preferably slots 30, by means of which the mount element 14 can be fastened to other components, in particular, to the mounting rails 12 or directly to the switchgear cabinet 1. The mount element 14 following the strip-shaped section 28 has a drawn-up edge 32, the height 34 of the edge 32 being between 50 and 200%, preferably between 80 and 120% of the thickness 36 of the mount element 14 in the region of the strip-shaped section 28. The thickness of the mount element 14 which remains between the blind hole-like end of the legs 18, 20 and the opposite planar surface 38 is likewise between 50 and 200% of the thickness of the mount element 14 in the strip-shaped section 28.

Between the groove 16 and the strip-shaped section 28, the mount element 14 has another groove 40 which runs parallel to the groove 16. The other groove 40 on its bottom surface in cross section is rounded semicircularly and on its opening, which is present toward the fitting side, has a step-shaped widening. Between the fitting-side opening and the bottom surface, in the groove there are channels 42, 44 which run in the longitudinal direction of the mount element 14. These channels 42, 44 are designed to simplify the screwing-in of the fastening screws, by means of which a module mount 150 which is suspended in the groove 16 can be fixed on the mount element 14. The channels 42, 44 of one side wall are equidistant and arranged to run parallel to one another. The first channels 42 of one side wall of the other groove 40 relative to the second channels 44 on the opposite side wall have an offset of 50% of the grid dimension of the first and second channels 42, 44.

Fundamentally, screws with, for example, a metric thread can be screwed into this fluted groove 40. In particular, when not only mechanical fastening, but also an electric connection between the fastening screw and therefore the module mount 150 and the mount element 14 are to be established by screwing in the fastening screws, self-tapping screws can also be used, such as, for example, so-called sheet metal screws which especially in the use of aluminum profiles for the mount element 14 penetrate the electrically insulating layers present on the surface and establish reliable electrical contact. The thickness remaining between the bottom surface of the other groove 40 and the opposite flat surface 38 is between 100 and 300% of the thickness 36 of the mount element 14 in the strip-shaped section 28, specifically, between 100 and 200%.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the apparatus 10 according to the invention, two different mount elements 104, 114 being fastened to the mounting rail 112 by way of one mounting bracket 146 at a time. FIG. 5 shows an enlargement of an extract of FIG. 4.

Both mount elements 104, 114 have a groove 116 and another groove 140. On a module mount 150 which has been produced, for example, from a metal sheet, one or more electrical units 152, 154, 156 can be mechanically fastened and optionally also electrically connected to one another and/or to other electrical units located on the apparatus 10. One advantage of using such a module mount 150 is that the electrical units 152, 154, 156 can be premounted and prewired before the module mount 150 is mounted and fastened on the apparatus 10. In this way, certain installation activities can be prepared and final fitting of the electrical units 152, 154, 156 is shortened.

For arrangement purposes, the module mount 150 is suspended in the groove 116, to the top and bottom each in the leg 20 of the groove 116 which is aligned obliquely down. For this purpose, the module mount 150 to the top and bottom has a beveled section 158 each, which sections run parallel to one another and which enclose an angle between 45 and 75°, specifically about 60°, with the other planar section of the module mount 150 on which the electrical units 152, 154, 156 are located. The mount element 114 forms one or more planar contact surfaces for contact of the mount element 150, which contact is flat at least in certain sections. The planar contact surface is located, for example, in a region adjoining the groove 116 or between the groove 116 and the other groove 140.

Since the groove 116 extends over the entire length of the mount element 114, the module mount 150 can be suspended at any position in the longitudinal direction of the groove 116. Moreover, the module mount 150 after being suspended can still be shifted along the groove 116 until it assumes its final position. In it the module mount 150 can be permanently fastened by screwing the fastening screw into the other groove 140.

The connection between the mount element 114 and the mounting bracket 146 takes place by means of a fastening screw 162 which is screwed in the strip-shaped section 128. In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the mount element 114 of the other embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 on its longitudinal edges opposite one another has a crosspiece 164 which on its side facing the mount element 114 preferably forms in one piece a catch projection 166 onto which a so-called cable comb 168 can be detachably clipped, by means of which electrical lines from the fitting side and, in particular, from the side on which the electrical units 152, 154, 156 on the module mount 150 are located can be routed onto the back of the mount element 114, particularly into the region located between the module mount 150 and the mounting rail 112 in which the line can be routed.

The other mount element 104 (FIG. 4) integrally forms a fastening rail 160 which runs in the longitudinal direction of the other mount element 104, in particular a so-called top-hat rail. On this fastening rail 160 there can be other electrical units, for example units which are accommodated in so-called terminal block housings. Therefore, an electrical unit which is located on such a fastening rail 160 can be connected by a short connecting line to an electrical unit 152, 154, 156 which is located on the adjacent module mount 150.

FIG. 6 shows an enlargement of part 170 of the beveled section 158 of the module mount 150. The part 170 which is located on the edge side is separated from the center beveled section 158 and then is provided with a bend which, in the illustrated undeformed state, projects beyond the flat contour formed by the beveled section 158 and, in this way, when the module mount 150 is suspended in the groove 116, can be spring-elastically deformed so that the module mount 150 locks in the groove 116. The shape of the part 170 can be chosen to match the shape of the groove 116 such that both the locking of the module mount 150 into the groove 116 and also the release of this locking can take place without a tool. In this way, it is possible to suspend the module mount 150 first in the groove 116, to position it subsequently by displacement in the groove 116 and in this preselected position to lock it by final insertion of the module mount 150 in the groove 116. In addition, final fixing can take place by means of a fastening screw which can be screwed into the other groove 140 and which passes through holes 172 in the module mount 150. 

1. An apparatus (10) for arranging and fastening electrical units (152, 154, 156), in particular in a switchgear cabinet (1), the apparatus (10) having a mount element (14) on whose fitting side a module mount (150) with at least one electrical unit (152, 154, 156) located thereon can be arranged and fastened, characterized in that the mount element (14) has a groove (16) which extends in the longitudinal direction and which is open toward the fitting side, and in which the module mount (150) can be suspended in any position in the longitudinal direction of the groove (16), and that the groove (16) is shaped such that the module mount (150) is located on the mount element (14) by the weight which is acting on the suspended module mount (150) and is protected against falling off the mount element (14).
 2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (16) is shaped such that the suspended module mount (150) experiences a force acting in the direction to the mount element (14) by the weight acting on it.
 3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross section through the groove (16) in a region spaced apart from the fitting-side opening (22) has two legs (18, 20) which are spaced apart from one another, and that the module mount (150) can be suspended in one of the two legs (18, 20).
 4. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the two legs (18, 20) with increasing distance from the fitting-side opening (22) tend to move apart.
 5. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross section through the groove (16) is symmetrical to an axis (24) which runs centrally relative to the fitting-side opening.
 6. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (16) has a section (26) for holding a slide nut.
 7. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mount element (14) toward the fitting side has openings for holding a fastener by means of which the suspended module mount (150) can be fastened on the mount element (14).
 8. The apparatus (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the openings for holding the fasteners are formed by another groove (40) which is preferably provided with channels.
 9. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mount element (14) has a fastening rail (160) which is preferably formed in one piece by the mount element (14) for fastening of electrical units.
 10. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mount element (14) is formed by a fitting rail which can be connected to a mounting rail (12) which runs preferably at a right angle to the fitting rail and which can be fastened in a switchgear cabinet (1).
 11. A fitting system with an apparatus (10) for arranging and fastening electrical units (152, 154, 156), in particular in a switchgear cabinet (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting system furthermore has a plate-shaped module mount (150) on which at least one electrical unit (152, 154, 156) can be arranged and which on at least one side has a beveled section (158) by means of which the module mount (150) can be suspended in the groove of the mount element (14).
 12. The fitting system according to claim 11, characterized in that the beveled section (158) includes an angle of less than 90° with another section of the mount element on which the electrical unit (152, 154, 156) is located.
 13. The fitting system according to claim 11, characterized in that the module mount (150) on two opposing sides has one beveled section (158) each, by means of which the module mount (150) can be suspended in the groove (16) of the mount element (14).
 14. The fitting system according to claim 13, characterized in that the module mount (150) when arranged on the mount element (14) with both beveled sections (158) can be suspended in one groove (16) of a mount element (14) at a time.
 15. The fitting system according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one part (170) of the beveled section (158) can be spring-elastically deformed such that when the module mount (150) is suspended in the groove (16) of the mount element (14) the module mount (150) preferably locks detachably to the mount element (14) without tools. 